Health Library

Treating Genital Warts

Warts sometimes go away on their own, remain unchanged or increase in size and number. Depending on where the warts are, some treatments may work better than others.

Medications

Prescription creams and gels can be applied to warts and surrounding skin. Some prompt your immune system to rally against HPV (human papillomavirus), the virus that causes genital warts. Others are caustic agents that destroy warts. Medications can be applied at the health care provider's office or at home. Often, more than one dose is needed. These treatments sometimes cause skin rashes. Talk to your health care provider about possible side effects.

Wart removal

Warts can be removed in a number of ways. These include freezing, cautery (heat), lasers, and surgery. These procedures are done by your regular health care provider or a specialist. Before treatment, you may receive local anesthesia to numb the area. The number of treatments depends on how many warts are being removed. Your health care provider can give you more details.

Other treatment options for genital warts

As more is learned about HPV, new treatments are being developed to help the body defend itself. Your health care provider can tell you more about treatments that may someday be available. There is also a vaccine that can prevent HPV in young men and women. Your health care provider can tell you more.